Now that Dallas and Washington have declared that their head coaches will be returning for the 2009 season, it sets up a delicious storyline between the two teams for 2010.

The Cowboys and Redskins figure to be the two teams at the head of the list for retiring Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren, who is expected back in 2010, and Bill Cowher, who could also be back in 2010.

If either team struggles next season or fails to perform up to expectations, their owners would have 1-A coaching candidates waiting in the wings, with each knowing that whoever doesn’t get Holmgren or Cowher could be going against him in the years to come. Thus, the rivalry between Dallas and Washington could wind up growing during the offseason.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has gotten to know Holmgren over the nearly two decades of attending league meetings. Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has long admired Holmgren, who is considered a professor.

And if Holmgren is a professor, Cowher is as well. Both could be hotly pursued next season.

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